Preparing for a Storm

To prepare for a storm, you should take the following measures:

• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Make sure you’re signed up to receive emergency notifications from the Village

During a Storm

If a storm is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.· Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

During a major storm, If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

• Stay indoors  and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

Homeowners are urged to secure all loose outdoor items, such as garbage cans and lawn furniture. All residents are & visitors are urged to stock up on batteries, flashlights, drinking water and non-perishable foods. People should remain indoors during the storm. Be prepared to move to higher ground if flooding begins to occur. Do not drive through flood waters.

View the Village of Rye Brook’s Building Department’s Storm Safety Guidelines with respect to electrical systems, natural/L.P. gas equipment and sanitary systems to help ensure the safety, health and welfare of you, your family, your property and the community at large.

Village of Rye Brook Fire Department Pump Out Policy

• During storm RBFD will terminate power to threatened utilities
• No pump outs will occur during the storm
• All requests must be made through the Rye Brook Police Department, 937-1020
• Water must be above 12”
• All pump outs evaluated on a case by case basis

Power Outages:

Customers are urged to call Con Edison immediately to report any outages at 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). Customers can also report power interruptions or service problems as well as view service restoration information online at www.conEd.com and on their cell phones.  You can also report an outage using the Con Edison App on your phone. When reporting an outage, customers should have their Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether their neighbors also have lost power.

Con Edison offers the following tips to prepare for a storm:

1. If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Treat all downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by tree limbs, leaves or water. Report all downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you’re in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.
2. If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored. Leave at least one light switch in the on position to alert you when power has been restored.
3. Check to make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are in working order. Use candles and oil lamps with care. Also, make sure you have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and news on restorations of electrical service can be heard on most local radio and television stations.
   Avoid opening your freezer to see if food is still frozen. Every time you open the door, room-temperature air enters and speeds the thawing process. Most fully loaded freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 36 to 48 hours; half-full freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 24 hours.

Verizon customers should call the Emergency Repair Service Public Number in the event of an outage:
1 (800) 922-0204

In the event of a Altice/Cablevision outage, customers should call outage number (914) 777-9000

Additional Resources:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA)

Westchester County Department of  Emergency Services